Multivenue jackpot system

ABSTRACT

Multivenue jackpot system comprising a central control system ( 6 ), connecting via a communications network ( 4 ) to a jackpot controller ( 32 ) at multiple gaming venues ( 26 ). Each gaming venue ( 26 ) having multiple electronic gaming machines ( 28 ) (i.e. poker, slot, video machines which include hard meters and a jackpot interface ( 56 ) for linking via a venue network ( 30 ) to the jackpot controller ( 32 ). The gaming machines ( 28 ) are capable of playing independent games and participating in a multiple gaming machine jackpot game. The central control system ( 6 ) increments on the basis of the hard meter signals and/or awards a jackpot sum from a jackpot pool to a selected gaming machine ( 28 ). The jackpot interface ( 56 ) is a separate circuit board capable of being fitted to a standard gaming machine ( 28 ). Jackpot award criteria include random time, predetermined levels, usage factor of gaming machine ( 28 ) and gaming venues ( 26 ).

[0001] This invention relates to a multivenue jackpot system.

[0002] The object of the present invention is a multivenue jackpotsystem which includes a number of venues where electronic gamingmachines (EGMs) are located and a central control system which is remotefrom and controls the EGMs.

[0003] According to the present invention there is provided a multivenuejackpot system comprising a central control system and a plurality ofgaming venues, each gaming venue including:

[0004] a jackpot controller coupled for communication with said centralcontrol system by way of a communications network;

[0005] a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) each includinghard meters and EGM logic for generating input signals for the hardmeters; and

[0006] a venue network coupled to said jackpot controller;

[0007] wherein each electronic gaming machine includes a jackpotinterface coupled to the electronic gaming machine and the venuenetwork, each said jackpot interface being coupled to monitor said hardmeter input signals, and said central control system including a jackpotsum which is incremented and/or awarded to a selected electronic gamingmachine in accordance with said input signals.

[0008] Preferably, each second interface means comprises a circuit boardwhich can be coupled to an otherwise standard EGM.

[0009] The invention also provides a multivenue jackpot systemcomprising:

[0010] a central control system;

[0011] communications interface for coupling the central control systemto a communications network;

[0012] a plurality of gaming venues;

[0013] each gaming venue including a jackpot controller coupled forcommunication with said central control system by way of thecommunications network, a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGM)each including hard meters and EGM logic for generating input signalsfor the hard meters, and a venue network and wherein each electronicgaming machine includes a jackpot interface for coupling the electronicgaming machine to the venue network and wherein the jackpot interface iscoupled to monitor said hard meter input signals and wherein the centralcontrol system establishes a jackpot which is based upon the occurrenceof a random event, and upon occurrence of the random event the centralcontrol system selects a winning venue and wherein the jackpotcontroller at the winning venue is arranged to select a winning EGM byreference to hard meter input signals derived from the EGM logic.

[0014] In one form, the random event may comprise the passing of arandomly selected time In another form, the random event may betriggering of a mystery value and selecting the venue that caused thetrigger.

[0015] These and other novel features of the system will become apparentfrom the following description of examples of the invention, in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic gaming system of theinvention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the venue configuration;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing data flows at thecentral control system;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a jackpot interface board (JIB);

[0020]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the jackpot controller;

[0021] FIGS. 6 to 9 are circuit diagrams for one implementation of an IPmodule;

[0022] FIGS. 10 to 18 are block diagrams of glue logic in the IP module;

[0023]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing boot loading of the jackpotinterface board;

[0024]FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of the major processsteps carried out by the central controller (JCC);

[0025]FIG. 21 diagrammatically illustrates messages in the win sequenceof the system; and

[0026]FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating the major functional steps ofthe jackpot controller.

[0027] The illustrated gaming system of the invention includes a jackpotcontrol centre (JCC) 6 which is coupled to a wide area network (WAN) 4.The wide area network may comprise a public telephone system. The JCC 6may include a central computer 8 which includes a real time UNIX basedoperating system which, generally speaking, maintains overall control ofthe system. The central computer 8 is coupled by first and second localarea networks (LAN) 10 and 19 to a standby central computer 12, whichcomes into operation should there be a fault in the central computer 8.Duplicate LANs are used for greater system redundancy. The LANs 10 and19 are also connected to a command PC 14 which can be used for input andoutput of instructions at a high level in the system and monitorprogress jackpot applications. The JCC 6 also includes a number of frontend processing (FEP) devices 15 connected to the LANs 10 and 19. Thefront end processing devices 15 essentially comprise high speed modemsfor coupling the first and second LANs 10 and 19 to the wide areanetwork 4.

[0028] The system may also include a management information system 21which provides management statistical and account data processing whichmay be carried out on an off-line basis. The management informationsystem 21 also includes a management information system (MIS) computer23 which operates a jackpot data base (JDB) which for instance can beimplemented on INGRES data base. The computer 23 is coupled to the LANs10 and 19 by means of a router 24. Alternatively, the computer 23 couldbe coupled directly to dual LANs 10 and 19.

[0029] The system includes a number of venues 26, one of which is shownin FIG. 1. In practice there would be a number of venues 26 which arecoupled to the JCC 6 by means of the wide area network 4. The venue 26may comprise a casino, gambling hall or other site at which gambling ispermitted by the relevant authorities. The venue includes a number ofelectronic gaming machines (EGMs) 28 which are coupled to a venuejackpot LAN 30. The EGMs 28 can be operated independently for gamingsuch as by playing poker or the like or may be connected to anothernetwork (not shown) for communications within the venue. The EGMs canalso be coupled together within the venue or within a number ofdifferent venues for playing jackpot games subject to the control of theJCC 6.

[0030] Each venue 26 includes a jackpot controller 32 which is coupledto the venue jackpot LAN 30 and to a network termination device (NTU) 34via a bus 33. The network termination device 34 may comprise a modem andis coupled to the wide area network 4. Each of the EGMs 28 includes ajackpot interface board (JIB) 56 which provides coupling to the venuejackpot LAN 30 in a manner which permits the EGMs to participate injackpots which are applicable to a selected number of EGMs at the venue,all EGMs at the venue, or selected EGMs at different venues, as will bedescribed below. The venue 26 includes jackpot displays 38 and 40 whichare controlled by the jackpot controller 32. The display 38 may compriseone or more LED displays which are located in prominent positions at thevenue to display prize money and other information relating to jackpots.The display 40 may comprise video display monitors which display similarinformation. The displays 38 and 40 are of course different to the videodisplays (not shown) which form part of the EGMs 28.

[0031]FIG. 2 shows in more detail an arrangement for the hardwareconfiguration at a venue. In this arrangement, the video displays 40 aredriven by a video display interface 46. Similarly, the LED displays 38are driven by LED display interfaces 48. Interfaces 46 and/or 48 may beembodied in a PC. The arrangement includes a slip printer 50 and barcode reader 52 which are coupled by means of a peripheral interface 54to the venue jackpot LAN 30. The slip printer 50 and bar code reader 52can be used as part of a jackpot win procedure which will be describedbelow.

[0032] In the preferred implementation of the invention, the JIBs 56 areintelligent devices which greatly facilitate linking together of theEGMs 28 to participate in a jackpot game which is subject to the controlof the jackpot controller 32 as well as the JCC 6.

[0033] The main functions of the JCC 6 are:

[0034] 1. To configure and reconfigure jackpot controllers 32 andperipherals.

[0035] 2. To start, stop and restart jackpots.

[0036] 3. To maintain software counters for counting contributions fromEGMs.

[0037] 4. To identify when a jackpot has been won and take appropriateaction.

[0038] 5. To check the integrity of the software and hardware in thejackpot system at any time.

[0039] 6. To log information packets that are sent by the jackpotcontrollers 32.

[0040] 7. To issue jackpot tickets.

[0041] 8. To validate jackpot tickets.

[0042] 9. To be able to provide any information about the status of anypart of the jackpot system as required.

[0043] The EGMs 28 can be of standard types apart from the inclusion ofthe JIB board 56. EGMs normally include logic means for playing thenormal games on the EGM such as poker, black jack or the like. The logicgenerates hard meter input signals for hard meters which are provided inthe EGM. The hard meters indicate such things as credit played (which isthe amount of cash which has been wagered), cash out (which is theamount of cash which has been paid out by the EGM), cash in (which isthe amount of cash inserted into the machine), and credit won (which isthe amount of money which has been won on that machine). In the systemof the invention, the JIBs 56 are responsive to the hard meter inputsignals and communicate relevant changes to the jackpot controller 32 atthe venue via the venue jackpot LAN 30. The jackpot controller 32communicates with the JCC 6 via the network 4 so that in accordance withthe invention, a jackpot game can be carried out by effectivelymonitoring the hard meter input signals at a number of venues. A jackpotcan be configured in the JCC 6 to have a random jackpot value and ajackpot pool is established and is incremented in accordance with hardmeter input signals which have been generated by the variousparticipating EGMs. When a hard meter input signal increments thejackpot pool so that it reaches or exceeds the random jackpot value,that constitutes a jackpot win and the system operates to identify theEGM which generated the hard meter input signal which generated the win.

[0044] An even simpler jackpot game is to make the jackpot a fixedamount and to generate a random time within a specified time frame (1hr, 24 hrs, etc . . . ). When that time arrives a venue is randomlyselected and then the jackpot controller 32 at that venue makes the nextEGM to make a contribution the winner. A slightly fairer model is torandomly select the venue from a list that is weighted according to eachvenue's average total contribution rates over a selected period. Againthe jackpot controller is notified and the next EGM to make acontribution is the winner.

[0045]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks ofthe JIB 56. Briefly, the JIB 56 carried out a variety of functions butits main function however is to enable the EGM 28 to which it isconnected via hard meters to participate in a jackpot game involving anumber of EGMs which are linked together at a venue 26 and at a numberof venues 26. The JIB 56 monitors input signals to hard meters of theEGM via connector 120 and enables transfer of hard meter input signalsto the jackpot controller 32. It also enables the jackpot controller tocheck the status of logic seal switches, audit keys and door seals andthe like which are normally provided on the EGMs 28. It alsosuperimposes messages on the EGM display relevant to the jackpot inwhich the EGM is participating.

[0046] The JIB 56 comprises a microprocessor 16, a serial communicationsport 18, a memory 20 and a network interface 22. The JIB includes asystem bus 78 coupled between the microprocessor 16 and the networkinterface 22. The network interface 22 may comprise known forms ofinterfaced device such as ethernet cards or the like. The networkinterface 22 is coupled to the venue jackpot LAN 30. Data flows betweenthe EGM and venue jackpot LAN 30 through the interface device 22 and isformatted by the microprocessor 16 in accordance with information storedin the memory 20. The memory 20 also includes software forimplementation of processing steps by the microprocessor relating tojackpot implementation, data communication and video displays. The JIB56 also includes a communications bus 29 which can enable additionalserial communications.

[0047] The interface port also includes a video mixing device 42 whichreceives video in data from the EGM logic and provides video out datafor the EGM display. The video mixing device 42 is coupled to themicroprocessor 16 which provides a control mechanism for controllingvideo mixing of the video signals applied to the EGM display. The device42 is arranged to superimpose jackpot information on the normal EGMdisplay. Alternatively, it can be arranged to blank out the normaldisplay when the jackpot information is displayed.

[0048] Reference is made to a copending Australian patent applicationfiled contemporaneously herewith in respect of an invention entitled“Jackpot Display System for an Electronic Gaming Machine”, the contentof which is incorporated herein by reference. The copending applicationdescribes an example of circuitry for the JIB 56 in greater detail.

[0049]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the jackpot controller 32. Thejackpot controller can be implemented on a PC platform. It comprises aprocessor 60 which preferably comprises a Motorola MVME 162-223A whichis similar in some respects to a PC designed for specific applications.The processor 60 includes a CPU 62, flash memory 64 (e.g. 1 MB), DRAMmemory 66 (e.g. 1-4 MB parity DRAM and 16-32 MB ECC DRAM) and SRAMmemory 68 (e.g. 128K-2 MB SRAM with battery backup). The processor 60includes a serial port controller 70 such as an 85230 serial I/Ocontroller, coupled to a serial port connector 74. The processor 60 alsoincludes an ethernet controller 76 (e.g. 182596CA) coupled to a DB-15ethernet connector 78. The processor 60 also includes a coprocessor 80,such as a 53C710 SCSI coprocessor, coupled to a SCSI connector 82. Theprocessor 60 also includes two IP ports 84 and 86. The IP ports are forreceipt of “industry pack” modules which are particular circuit modulesdesigned to assist the processor 60 in accordance with the requiredapplication.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment of the jackpot controller 32, an IPmodule 88 is coupled to the IP port 86. The IP module 88 is coupled tothe network termination device 34 via the bus 33 for communication withthe JCC 6. The processor 60 communicates with the JIBs 56 through theethernet connector 78 which is connected to the venue jackpot LAN 30.The processor 60 also is coupled to a disk drive 90 via the connector82. The operating system and the operational software of the jackpotcontroller 32 are stored on the disk drive in UNIX file system format.

[0051] The IP module 88 can be implemented in a number of ways dependingon the requirements for carrying out the jackpot system. In particular,the IP module can consist of two physically separate boards withdifferent functions that are covered below. FIG. 6 is a more detailedblock diagram of the IP module 88.

[0052] The IP module 88 includes a connector 92 which is connected tothe IP port 86 of the processor 60. The connector 92 is coupled to an IPmodule address bus 94, IP module data bus 96 and an IP module controlbus 98. The buses 94, 96 and 98 are coupled to a DUART device 100 (e.g.AM85C30) which is arranged to control serial communications with the JCC6. Serial communications can be made at an RS 232 connector 102 via alevel converter 104. Alternatively, serial communications can be madethrough an RS 422 connector 106 via a level and protocol converter 108.The IP module 88 includes a memory 110 which is coupled to the buses 94,96 and 98. Software and data is stored in the memory for enabling thejackpot controller to participate in multivenue jackpots as explainedbelow. A memory supervisor circuit 112 is coupled to the memory 110 toprovide for battery backup should the power supply fail. The IP module88 includes an electronically programable logic device (EPLD) 114 (e.g.EPM7064LC84) which provides various “glue logic” functions for themodule 88. The EPLD 114 is coupled to a battery monitor circuit 116, anover temperature circuit 118 and an alarm circuit 120. The EPLD 114 isalso coupled to an LED indicating device 122. Control signals forcontrolling the LED are generated by the EPLD 114 from signals whichcould include MEMSEL and from the logic seal latch 139 and voltagecomparators 147 and 148 (FIG. 9).

[0053] The IP module 88 also includes logic seal detection circuitry 123coupled to a logic seal switch (not shown) via connector 124. Thejackpot controller 32 is located within a secure housing which, whenopened, changes the state of the logic seal switch coupled to theconnector 124 and this will be sensed by the logic seal circuit 123 andthis causes the jackpot controller to stop the jackpot game by sendingappropriate messages to the participating EGMs. To restart the jackpotsat the venue, a special command will be sent from the JCC 6 and receivedby the jackpot controller 32. The IP module 88 also includes an optionalEPROM 125 (e.g. 27519) which can be used for further enhancements.

[0054]FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show more details of the IP module 88. It will beseen that the logic bus 93 extends from the connector 92 to the DUART100 and EPROM 125. The bus 93 is also coupled to the EPLD 114 which, asmentioned above, is arranged to provide glue logic for the circuitcomponents for the IP module 88. The EPLD 114 provides six mainfunctional blocks:

[0055] acknowledge signal generation; I/O and memory read signalgeneration; interrupt acknowledge signal generation; I/O and memorywrite signal generation; memory decode, control signal generation; andstatus information storage. The acknowledge signal is generated from thetrailing edges of the read and write signals. It is an open collectoroutput. On reset the acknowledge output is tri-stated. An intermediateread signal is generated when either IOSEL or MEMSEL is active and theR/W signal is in read state. The INTSEL signal is delayed beforegenerating the read output; this is to allow the interrupt source toclear its interrupt output before reading the interrupt vector. Theintermediate read signal is combined with the reset line to produce theI/O read signal. This is required because the serial communicationscontroller requires both its read and write lines to be held low toreset it. The I/O and memory write signals are generated when either aMEMSEL or IOSEL is active and the R/W line is in the write state. TheI/O write line is combined with the reset line because the serialcommunications controller requires both its read and write lines to beheld low during reset.

[0056] The DUART provides serial communications with JCC6. It isselected when an I/O read or write occurs or an interrupt acknowledgeoccurs, provided IOSEL is active.

[0057] The memory 110 comprises first and second SRAMs 126 and 127 andis selected by the lines MEMO and MEM1. MEM0 is generated from acombination of BS0, D13, D14 and MEMSEL. MEM1 is generated in a similarmanner except BS1 is used instead of BS0. The memories 126 and 127 canstore data representing hard meter input signals from the various EGMswhich are coupled to the jackpot controller 32. Normally the hard meterinput to the credit played hard meter will be stored and thisinformation is vital to correct playing of the jackpot and accordinglythe memories are duplicates of one another so as to provide securityshould one of them fail. Some gaming authorities require that certaininformation be maintained in two physical locations and three logicallocations. The SRAMs 126 and 127 provide the physical locations. One ofthese SRAMs has two copies of the data, the other SRAM has a single copyof the data. Checksums are used to maintain the integrity of the data.If a single copy of the sensitive data becomes corrupted, then it isrecovered by using one of the other good copies. If for some reasonthere are three good copies, but they are different, a majority vote isused to decide which copy to replace. The memories 126 and 127 arecoupled to memory supervisor circuits 128 and 129 (e.g. DS1210) whichoperate with the associated backup to batteries to maintain high signallevels at the CE inputs of the memories should power fail so as toprevent data held in the memories being corrupted when power isdisconnected. The DUART 100 is connected via the logic bus 93 tointerface circuits 130 and 131 (e.g. SN75173) which convert RS 422signals from the connector 106. The circuit also includes a converter132 (e.g. SN75172) which converts TTL signals to RS 422 signals whichare outputted to the connector 106. Inputs and outputs from theconverters 130, 131 and 133 are coupled to the connector 106 viaprotection diodes 134, termination resistors 135 and current limitingresistors 136.

[0058] In some applications it may be appropriate to communicate withthe JCC 6 at RS 232 levels and in this case, the IP module 88 includes aconverter 137 (e.g. MAX211) which is arranged to convert signals fromTTL to RS 232 and vice versa for coupling to the RS 232 output connector102.

[0059] The logic seal circuit 123 is illustrated in more detail in FIG.9. The input connector 124 is connected to a logic seal switch (notshown) which is coupled via line 138 to an eight bit latch 139. Thelatch 139 is coupled to the logic bus 93 so that an eight bit number canbe written into and read from the latch by the CPU 62 of the processor60. If the logic seal switch changes state, the latch 139 will be resetand this will be sensed by the CPU 62 thus indicating that the logicseal has been broken. This information will also be communicated to theJCC which will suspend participation of the EGMs in the jackpot gamewhich are coupled to the jackpot controller having its logic seal switchopen. The latch 139 is coupled to a memory supervisor chip 140 (e.g.DS1210) which operates to provide power to the latch 139 and also toconnect a battery backup thereto if the normal power supply is low. Thecircuit 140 also operates to prevent corruption to the number stored inthe latch 139 if power fails. The CPU 62 can be arranged to write theeight bit number on lines d₀-d₇ once but preferably it is arranged towrite different numbers periodically so as to provide for additionalsecurity.

[0060]FIG. 9 also illustrates in more detail the over temperaturecircuit 118. It includes a connector 141 which is connected to atemperature sensing device (not shown) which is located at a strategiclocation, say on a heat sink coupled to the CPU 64. The connector 141 iscoupled to one input to a comparator 142 which has a reference levelapplied to its other input from a zener diode 143. The comparator 142produces an output signal TEMPOV on line 144 when an over temperature issensed. The comparator could be designed to trip at 65° C. and reset atabout 60° C., for example.

[0061]FIG. 9 also illustrates the battery monitor circuit 116. Itcomprises first and second comparators 145 and 146 which are coupled toreceive inputs on lines 147 and 148 from the backup batteries for thememories 126 and 127. Other inputs to the comparators 145 and 146comprise a reference level derived from a zener diode 149. When thecomparators 145 or 146 detect a low battery condition, a LOWBAT signalis produced on output line 150.

[0062]FIG. 9 also illustrates the alarm circuit 120. The alarm circuit120 has inputs 151 and 152 from the EPLD 114. The input 151 can beselected for muting an audible alarm produced by alarm loudspeaker 153whereas signals on the line 152 from the EPLD 114 can be used to changethe frequency of the audible alarm in accordance with the type of alarmwhich is detected. The alarm circuit includes a timer 157 (such as anLM555) which is normally held in a reset state by a mute signal on input151. When an over-temperature fault is detected or the logic area sealis broken, the alarm is set off. The alarm can only be reset under thecontrol of software. The two tone feature is implemented by switching inor out different value capacitors, into the timer circuit, by means oftransistor 159.

[0063] FIGS. 10 to 18 diagrammatically illustrate some of the glue logicfunctions provided by the EPLD 114. It will be appreciated that thesefunctions could be implemented by providing discrete logic components inthe circuitry but it is preferred that they be implemented in anelectronically programmable device for simplicity and flexibility shouldthe circuit parameters need to be modified.

[0064] The EPLD 114 is programmed so as to provide an address latchcircuit 160 which stores the address information from the multiplexeraddress/data lines. FIG. 11 shows the memory latch 160 in greaterdetail. It will be seen that the memory latch 160 functionally includestwo eight bit latches 164 and 165.

[0065] The EPLD 114 includes status logic 167 (shown in greater detailin FIG. 12) which has an input 168 for receipt of LAREA signals from thelogic seal circuitry 123. The logic 167 includes an input 169 forreceipt of TEMPOV signals from the circuit 118. The logic 167 includesan input 170 for receipt of LOWBAT signals from the battery monitorcircuit 116. The logic 167 produces an LED signal output on line 171 forcoupling to the status indicating LED 122. It has an output on line 172for producing MUTE signals on line 151 for muting the alarm circuit 120.It also produces FREQSEL for selecting the tone produced by theloudspeaker 153, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12.

[0066] The EPLD 114 also includes a memory select logic 173 which hasinputs on lines 174 from the CPU 62 via control bus 98. The inputsignals on lines 174 determine how data is stored in the memories 126and 127. The memory logic circuitry 173 is shown in more detail in FIG.13.

[0067] The EPLD 114 includes DUART selector logic 176 which enables theCPU 62 to address the DUART 100 whenever it writes to it or reads fromit. The selector logic 176 is shown in more detail in FIG. 14. Output onoutput line 176 has an 8530 output signal which is coupled to the CEinput of DUART 180 to enable the appropriate selection to be made, asseen in FIG. 7.

[0068] The EPLD 114 includes write select circuitry 178 which has inputsfrom the logic bus 93 to produce outputs on lines 179 and 180 forenabling writing of data to the DUART 100 and memories 126 and 127respectively. This circuit is shown in more detail in FIG. 15.

[0069] The EPLD 114 includes acknowledge signal logic 181 which hasinputs derived from the logic bus 93 and produces an inputacknowledgment signal on output line 182 for providing an acknowledgmentsignal for the DUART 100 for indicating to the CPU 62 that the currentread or write function has been completed. The logic 181 is shown inmore detail in FIG. 16.

[0070] The EPLD 114 includes read logic circuitry 183 which has inputsfrom the logic bus 93 and produces outputs on output lines 184 and 185for enabling reading of signals from the logic bus to the DUART 100 andfor reading signals from the bus into the memories 126 and 127respectively. The read logic 181 is shown in more detail in FIG. 17.

[0071] The EPLD 114 includes acknowledge signal logic 186 whichgenerates acknowledge signals ACK on its output line 187. The logic 186has inputs derived from the logic bus 93 and its output line 187 isdirectly coupled to the connector 92 (pin 48) to provide acknowledgmentsignals to the CPU 62 to provide an indication that reading or writingsequences have been completed. The logic 186 is shown in more detail inFIG. 18.

[0072] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thevarious logical functions carried out by the EPLD 114 can be implementedin a variety of ways.

[0073] The JIB software consists of three basic parts:

[0074] 1. The Boot Loader Program

[0075] 2. The Main Mode Program

[0076] 3. The Jackpot Interface Module (JIM)

[0077] The first two parts are executed physically by the microprocessor16 from its software stored in memory 20 and reference is made to theaforementioned patent application. The JIM is an interface between theJIB and a Jackpot Application Program and is executed on the jackpotcontroller 32 together with the Jackpot Application Program.

[0078] The Boot Loader Program operates to boot load the JIB 56. A flowchart of the program is shown in FIG. 19. When the JIB starts up itoperates as a cut down or simplified JIB. It does not support the fullrange of commands but instead the set of commands required to performsoftware integrity (including signature) checks and software download.The boot program is always to be present in the memory 20 of the JIB;and for it to contain the ability to download new versions of the maincode, which is the fully functional software, which is inputted theretofrom time to time by the JCC 6.

[0079] The Boot Loader Program includes a loop which performs thefollowing main functions as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 19:

[0080] 1. Sending an ‘I am awake’ message every 10 seconds;

[0081] 2. Continually checking for received ethernet packets;

[0082] 3. Checking that a packet has been received recently from thejackpot controller, and

[0083] 4. Patting a watchdog (The watchdog circuit reboots the processorshould it hang.

[0084] Also provided is a power failure detect. This enables importantdata to be stored in battery backed memory 20 before the power failscompletely).

[0085] The JIB issues an ‘I am awake’ message regularly and, when thejackpot controller 32 receives these, it will send down series ofinitialisation messages and may also begin software download to itsmemory 20. If software download proceeds then this is fully processedwithin the boot code. Once the boot code receives the start command itimmediately jumps to the main code, which has the responsibility ofacknowledging the start command. The Boot Loader Program may alsoinclude provision of a procedure for initiating encryption ofcommunications between the JIB 56 and jackpot controller 32 in responseto an “encrypt” message and encryption key from the jackpot controller32.

[0086] The Main Mode Program includes code which supports all possiblecommands from the jackpot controller 32, including signature, displaycommands, event actions, state setting, version, configuration andsoftware download.

[0087] When a start command is issued to the JIB boot program by thejackpot controller 32, the main code of the JIB is executed and anacknowledge signal is sent back to the jackpot controller 32acknowledging the start command. The Main Mode Program performs thefollowing functions:

[0088] 1. Receiving network packets and processing the commandsappropriately;

[0089] 2. Checking if a packet has been received from the jackpotcontroller within the maximum communications idle time;

[0090] 3. Checking for any displays which have had expired duration;

[0091] 4. Checking for events which have occurred and subsequentlyperforms the configured actions for those events;

[0092] 5. Checking that the maximum communications idle time is notexceeded since the last time the JIB transmitted a network packet. TheJIB will transmit a status message before the maximum communicationsidle time is exceeded;

[0093] 6. Operating the on board LED's; and

[0094] 7. Preventing the loops from proceeding if a power failureinterrupt occurs.

[0095]FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates major data flows within theJCC 6. In particular, the central computer 8 implements a jackpotapplication module 170, a network management module 172 and existingnetwork games such as a KENO module 174. The central computer 8 alsoexecutes a LAN control module 176 which supervises and controls accessto the LANs 10 and 19. The module 176 controls data flows to the frontend processors 15 as shown. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing majorsoftware steps performed by the JCC 6.

[0096] Preferably the jackpot controller 32 will have the option toaccept its application software downloaded from JCC 6 for carrying out ajackpot game at the venue. The following security measures can beimplemented for the download: secure encrypted links through the WAN 4;the signature of the software is verified by central computer 8 beforeallowing normal operational mode of the jackpot controller 32; and thejackpot controller keeps a history log of every download.

[0097] The downloading can be used for retrofitting the jackpotcontroller software when it is required to update the software. Thejackpot controller controls the slip printer 50 and bar code reader 52through the interface 54. The slip printer 50 is used to produce thejackpot win tickets. The bar code reader 52 is used to validate thejackpot tickets.

[0098] Normally, the parameters of the jackpot are established in thejackpot data base maintained in the MIS computer 23 and then transmittedto the various venues by JCC 6 where they are initially processed by thejackpot controllers 32. These inputs can be made through by a JDBterminal (not shown) by an authorised officer. The jackpot parametersmay include the period for the random time generation, the upper limitof the jackpot, lower limit of the jackpot, percentage contribution fromeach EGM, restart values etc. After checking and verification, theparameters can be frozen by a special command issued from the JDBterminal. The locked configuration is then transferred to the jackpotapplication software module 170 of the central computer 8. The transferis initiated by a command issued from the command PC 14.

[0099] The jackpot configuration is then transmitted to the jackpotcontrollers 32 of the various venues 26. The jackpot controllers receivethe jackpot configuration, perform dependency checks and store it in abattery backed RAM 110. The jackpot controller 32 acknowledges thereception of the configuration to the JCC 6 which acknowledges it to themanagement information system 21, which includes the JDB. From thismoment the entered configuration becomes “active”. Any further changesof the parameters on the JDB will be stored in the “pending” state andneed to be activated using the process described above.

[0100] When the jackpot controller 32 receives the jackpot configurationit converts it to the form that is acceptable by the JIBs 56 of theparticipating EGMs. When a JIB 56 is coming on-line, the jackpotcontroller 32 transmits the jackpot configuration thereto via itsethernet connector 78 and venue jackpot LAN 30. Each JIB 56 receives theconfiguration, stores it in its RAM 20 and sends an acknowledgment tothe jackpot controller 32 via the venue jackpot LAN 30. If a JIB 56 isalready on-line, a new jackpot configuration can be transmitted to it bythe jackpot controller. Once a JIB 56 receives its jackpotconfiguration, its microprocessor 16 causes the video mixing device 42to overlay the unique number of the EGM on the screen of the EGM.

[0101] Once the configuration of a jackpot is successfully set up inparticipating jackpot controllers and EGMs, a start command message canbe issued from the command PC 14 at the JCC 6. Once the jackpotcontroller 32 receives the start command from the JCC 6, it activatesthe JIBs 56 of participating EGMs and if attached, the interfaces 48 and54 for jackpot displays 38 and 40. After all the jackpot controllers 32have acknowledged the reception of the hidden prize value, the JCC 6will cause the jackpot controllers 32 to activate the JIBs 56 ofparticipating EGMs and the interfaces 48 and 54 for jackpot displays 38and 40 at the various venues. At each venue, the jackpot controller 32broadcasts a jackpot open command together with a corresponding messageto be displayed. All the messages for the JIBs 56 and interfaces 46 and48 are identified by message identification signals (message IDs) duringthe configuration stage. The jackpot controller 32 therefore need onlybroadcast the message ID to cause the display of the appropriatemessage. The JIBs 56 will overlay the messages on the EGM's screen andmessages will be displayed on the monitors 40 and LED displays 38.

[0102] For every $1 played on an EGM, a hard meter input pulse isgenerated by the EGM logic to increment its amount played hard meter.The JIB 56 receives this input pulse via connector 120 and incrementsthe software counter that contains the accumulated number of pulses(absolute value). The jackpot software executed by the microprocessor 16converts the counter value into cents by adding 100 for every onedetected pulse. The JCC 6 configures the minimum number of contributionsbefore the JIB 56 will report to the jackpot controller 32. This is alsocontrolled by a timeout period. For example, if the JIB 56 is configuredto report a minimum contribution of, say, $3 with a time out of 5seconds, once more than $3 has been incremented (i.e. 3 pulses to thehard meters) the JIB 56 sends a communication packet to the jackpotcontroller 32 which contains the current time stamp and the softwarecounter value. If the venue jackpot LAN 30, is busy, the JIB 56 willretry next time. This means that the software counter can be incrementedmore than once between each transmission.

[0103] If a contribution of less than the configured minimum limit (e.g.$3) has been received by the JIB 56 but the time since the first of theunreported contributions was received is greater than the timeout period(e.g. 5 seconds) then the unsent contributions are forwarded to thejackpot controller 32 in any event.

[0104] Every defined period of time the jackpot controller 32 also sendsall individual EGM contributions to the JCC 6 for financialreconciliation purposes. At the JCC 6 all the received contributions arestored in a transaction file 109.

[0105] The jackpot controller 32 must continue to communicate with theJCC 6 to continue participation in the jackpot. If the jackpotcontroller 32 loses the communications with the JCC 6, the jackpot willbe suspended and appropriate message will be displayed by all JIBs 56and optional displays 38 and 40. Likewise, the JIBs must continue tocommunicate with the jackpot controller 32. If a JIB loses communicationwith the jackpot controller 32, the JIB stops accepting contributionsfrom the EGM and can, for example, display a message to inform theplayer that their EGM is no longer in the jackpot.

[0106] In the case of a jackpot win, the jackpot controller 32 performsthe following actions:

[0107] display jackpot win message on a monitor of the jackpotcontroller for the venue attendant;

[0108] commands the interfaces 46 and 48 to display jackpot win messageson the venue displays, the win message including EGM identificationnumber as is displayed by the JIB;

[0109] command the JIBs of all non-winning EGMs to display to theplayers that the jackpot was won by another EGM, this being carried outby broadcasting a particular message ID to the JIBs; and

[0110] request the JCC 6 to generate a special jackpot win ticket whichis printed on the slip printer 50, the ticket being delivered by thevenue attendant to the player of the winning EGM.

[0111] There are two possible ways to clear the jackpot win condition onan EGM: (1) the venue attendant will clear the error condition thatdisabled the EGM; or (2) the EGM will remain disabled until a specialclear command has been received from the jackpot controller 32 andoriginating in the JCC 6.

[0112] Information relating to the jackpot win ticket will be stored onthe JCC 6 so that the player can redeem the ticket any time after thewin. An authentication number on the ticket can be presented in twoformats—a number and a bar code. The bar code reader 52 enables easyticket validation.

[0113]FIG. 22 is a flow chart which diagrammatically sets out the majorfunctional steps of the software carried out in the jackpot controller22 to give effect to the steps described above.

[0114] The Jackpot Interface Module (JIM) executed in jackpot controller32 provides a connecting interface between the Jackpot ApplicationProgram executed at the JCC 6 and the JIBs 56. Briefly, the JIB softwareand the jackpot controller software can be viewed as consisting of thefollowing functional blocks:

[0115] 1. interface functions used by the customer application, this isthe set of functions used by the Jackpot Application to communicate withthe JIB network;

[0116] 2. within the JIM, a set of functions used to process most of theinterface functions;

[0117] 3. a process which receives network packets on bus 33 andprocesses them;

[0118] 4. a process which periodically checks to see if messages need tobe retransmitted and also checks timing of broadcast by the jackpotcontroller 32 of ‘I am alive’ messages; and

[0119] 5. a set of support modules which provide database, ethernet,queue interface functions.

[0120] An alternative jackpot scheme is a mystery jackpot value and inthis arrangement the mystery jackpot value is generated and maintainedby the JCC 6.

[0121] Data representing contributions towards that jackpot aretransmitted to the JCC 6 via the jackpot controllers 32 at the variousvenues 26. The JCC 6 operates a software counter to effectively sum datasignals representing EGM contributions. When the JCC 6 determines thatthe jackpot total is reached, it identifies the site where thecontribution which lead to reaching the jackpot value. The JCC 6 thentransmits a signal to the jackpot controller 32 at the site. The jackpot32 at that site then declares that the next EGM at that venue to make acontribution is the winner of the jackpot.

[0122]FIG. 21 illustrates a preferred system of the invention whichincludes display of a Provisional Win message at the venue whilstvarious checks are carried out. In this system when a random timeoccurs, the JCC 6 randomly selects a venue (using venue weighting list)and sends a Select EGM message to the jackpot controller 32 at theselected venue. The jackpot controller then waits for the next hardmeter input signals from any EGM connected thereto (and participating inthe jackpot) and checks if the corresponding JIB software passessoftware integrity tests. If yes, a Provisional Win message is displayedat the venue and details of the identity of the EGM are sent to the JCC6. The provisional winning EGM details are sent to the JCC 6 by thejackpot controller 32 and the JCC 6 dispatches a Win Ticket message toall of the jackpot controllers. The jackpot controller receives the WinTicket message and causes an appropriate message to be displayed on thewinning EGM screen. Also a message such as Jackpot Won is displayed onall other EGM screens at the venue. The jackpot controller also sends anacknowledge (ACK) message to the JCC 6. The jackpot controller causesthe winning ticket to be printed and displayed on a screen coupled to avenue PC (if provided). The jackpot controller then causes the winningEGM to be disabled so that it cannot proceed with normal play. After thejackpot is won, the JCC is automatically restarted by a start command.The winning EGM will be cleared by a command which originates in the JCC6.

[0123] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedin the claims appended hereto.

1. A multivenue jackpot system comprising a central control system and aplurality of gaming venues, each gaming venue including: a jackpotcontroller coupled for communication with said central control system byway of a communications network; a plurality of electronic gamingmachines (EGMs) each including hard meters and EGM logic for generatinginput signals for the hard meters; and a venue network coupled to saidjackpot controller; wherein each electronic gaming machine includes ajackpot interface coupled to the electronic gaming machine and the venuenetwork, each said jackpot interface being coupled to monitor said hardmeter input signals, and said central control system including a jackpotsum which is incremented and/or awarded to a selected electronic gamingmachine in accordance with said input signals.
 2. A multivenue jackpotsystem as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each said jackpot interfacecomprises a circuit board adapted to be coupled to an otherwise standardelectronic gaming machine.
 3. A multivenue jackpot system as claimed inclaim 1 , wherein each said jackpot interface is responsive to the hardmeter input signals of the respective EGM to communicate correspondingfirst data messages to the respective jackpot controller.
 4. Amultivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said firstdata messages are sent from a said jackpot interface when a selectedamount of money has been played on the corresponding EGM during apreceding selected time period.
 5. A multivenue jackpot system asclaimed in claim 3 , wherein each said jackpot controller communicatessecond data messages to said central control system by way of saidcommunications network, the second data messages being sent from eachjackpot controller every predetermined period of time, wherein saidsecond data messages contain information of the hard meter input signalsof the EGMs coupled to the corresponding said jackpot controller.
 6. Amultivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said jackpotsum is incremented in response to said second data messages.
 7. Amultivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said jackpotsum is awarded in response to a said second data message.
 8. Amultivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said seconddata messages include information identifying the EGMs corresponding tothe hard meter input signals.
 9. A multivenue jackpot system as claimedin claim 6 , wherein said jackpot sum is awarded in response to a saidsecond data message.
 10. A multivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim9 , wherein said second data messages include information identifyingthe EGMs corresponding to the hard meter input signals.
 11. A multivenuejackpot system as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said jackpot sum isincremented by said central control system on the basis of theinformation of the hard meter input signals corresponding to individualsaid EGMs, and wherein said jackpot sum is awarded to a particular saidEGM for which the hard meter input signals cause said jackpot sum toreach a predetermined jackpot total.
 12. A multivenue jackpot system asclaimed in claim 7 , wherein said central control system communicates athird data message to said jackpot controllers indicating the award ofsaid jackpot sum and identifying a particular EGM to which the jackpotsum is awarded.
 13. A multivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 12 ,wherein the jackpot controller to which said particular EGM is coupledincludes means for indicating the award of the jackpot sum to theparticular EGM.
 14. A multivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 13 ,wherein each said jackpot controller includes a ticket issuing devicefor issuing a ticket indicative of a said jackpot award.
 15. Amultivenue jackpot system comprising: a central control system;communications interface for coupling the central control system to acommunications network; a plurality of gaming venues; each gaming venueincluding a jackpot controller coupled for communication with saidcentral control system by way of the communications network, a pluralityof electronic gaming machines (EGM) each including hard meters and EGMlogic for generating input signals for the hard meters, and a venuenetwork and wherein each electronic gaming machine includes a jackpotinterface for coupling the electronic gaming machine to the venuenetwork and wherein the jackpot interface is coupled to monitor saidhard meter input signals and wherein the central control systemestablishes a jackpot which is based upon the occurrence of a randomevent, and upon occurrence of the random event the central controlsystem selects a winning venue and wherein the jackpot controller at thewinning venue is arranged to select a winning EGM by reference to hardmeter input signals derived from the EGM logic.
 16. A multivenue jackpotsystem as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said random event comprises thepassing of a randomly selected time.
 17. A multivenue jackpot system asclaimed in claim 15 , wherein each said jackpot interface comprises acircuit board adapted to be coupled to an otherwise standard electronicgaming machine.
 18. A multivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 15 ,wherein each said jackpot interface is responsive to the hard meterinput signals of the respective EGM to communicate corresponding firstdata messages to the respective jackpot controller.
 19. A multivenuejackpot system as claimed in claim 18 , wherein said first data messagesare sent from a said jackpot interface when a selected amount of moneyhas been played on the corresponding EGM during a preceding selectedtime period.
 20. A multivenue jackpot system as claimed in claim 18 ,wherein each said jackpot controller communicates second data messagesto said central control system by way of said communications network,the second data messages being sent from each jackpot controller everypredetermined period of time, wherein said second data messages containinformation of the hard meter input signals of the EGMs coupled to thecorresponding said jackpot controller.
 21. A multivenue jackpot systemas claimed in claim 20 , wherein said second data messages includeinformation identifying the EGMs corresponding to the hard meter inputsignals.
 22. A multivenue jackpot system according to claim 18 , whereinsaid random event comprises the triggering of a mystery jackpot value,in response to receipt of a said second data message, and wherein saidcentral control system communicates a third data message to the jackpotcontroller from which the second data message which triggered themystery jackpot value was received.
 23. A multivenue jackpot system asclaimed in claim 22 , wherein the jackpot controller which triggered themystery jackpot value is responsive to receipt of said third datamessage to select a winning EGM coupled thereto for award of the jackpoton the basis of said first data messages received from the plurality ofEGMs coupled thereto.